Hallo from the heart of Austria! Salzburg, famous as Mozart’s birthplace and the backdrop for The Sound of Music, one of the world’s most beloved films. In fact, I am writing this live from the Mirabell Palace where Maria and the Von Trapp children sing “Do, Re, Mi” while prancing around the pristine garden. I am eager to start this blog to truly compare my experiences in Austria to my hometown Needham, Massachusetts. As many people may have experienced, the greater Boston area is type-A, gritty, with a sense of urgency that can put unfamiliar tourists in a whirlwind. Salzburg, on the other hand, feels almost like its opposite: slower, more deliberate, and steeped in history at every turn. Instead of honking cars and fast-paced schedules, there are church bells, cobblestone streets, and café tables where people linger for hours (and I mean hours) over coffee and cigarettes. Where Boston radiates ambition and hustle, Salzburg carries a rhythm of calm tradition and cultural pride. 

Traveling to a foreign country can be intimidating and long, thankfully I was in it with two of my best friends. One drove up from New Jersey and another came from a neighboring town, from there we got on our 6 ½ hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany. We met up with other DU students waiting to get on the same connecting flight, everyone equally as excited but admittedly terrified for our new adventures. Exiting the Salzburg airport we were greeted by our dorm director Marie, who guided us to taxis and made sure we had the correct address and all of our luggage. This eased some unwary feelings, knowing that everything was under control and they were truly expecting us. Marie provided our dorm keys, monthly bus passes, as well as a couple euros to get some food so no one got too hangry. 

The following day we had orientation where we got to meet other students in the same program. A piece of advice that I stand by everyday, especially in a case like this, is to be friendly with everyone. Meeting new people when you’re all in the same boat is special, you never know where a new friendship can flourish. We did some fun introductory games, and went over some key tips to blend in, like always greeting someone with “Hallo” or “Guten tag” or being punctual, because Austrians do not tolerate being late. After orientation was done and all of the necessary rules were covered, we embarked on a guided tour to get a better feel for the city, and most importantly, learn where we can get a cheap cup of coffee – safe to say I already miss my iced vanilla lattes. 

We’re living at Hostel Institut St. Sebastian, two to a room with our own bathrooms, which is a nice balance of privacy and social interaction. The church bells ring on the hour, and yes, they are loud — but surprisingly, I’ve gotten used to them. They make a perfect wake-up call in the morning. Navigating daily life has been a mix of excitement and minor confusion. There are general stores with everything you could need — toiletries, snacks, even last-minute school supplies, and smaller grocery stores that are perfect for quick meals. I’ve already leaned on comfort food a little: a box of Barilla pasta with red sauce. It’s funny how small things like that make a foreign city feel a little familiar. Language has been an interesting challenge. I was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone speaks English, some better than others, which makes the initial days far less intimidating than I imagined. But German is everywhere, on street signs, menus, and in casual conversations, and I’m very slowly (but surely) trying to pick up phrases. It’s a humbling process, but there’s a lot of joy in small victories, like successfully ordering something off a menu without making a fool of yourself. 

Settling in has made me realize that studying abroad isn’t just about classes or sightseeing; it’s about learning how to live in a new rhythm, how to appreciate different daily routines, and how to find comfort in unfamiliar places. Salzburg has a way of teaching patience, observation, and the value of small, quiet moments – lessons I didn’t know I needed until I arrived. Bis zum nächsten Mal!